Russia's government has allowed the production, import, and sale of automobile gasoline of ecological classes K2–K4 (corresponding to Euro-2, Euro-3, and Euro-4 standards) until July 1, 2027, the Ministry of Energy announced on its Telegram channel.
The ministry described the decision as a temporary, anti-crisis measure aimed at ensuring stable fuel supplies to the domestic market amid shortages. It said the long-term policy on environmental fuel requirements is not being revised.
At the same time, authorities revoked an earlier decision that had permitted the circulation of class K5 gasoline with elevated sulfur content until the end of 2026. At gas stations, the ecological class of fuel will now be indicated in an "accessible form."
The move brings back standards that were in effect in Russia until 2013. Euro-2 gasoline allows sulfur content of 500 mg/kg, compared with 10 mg/kg in modern fuel, and does not regulate the content of aromatic hydrocarbons, including benzene. It also permits the use of the octane-boosting additive monomethylaniline, which is banned in most countries due to its toxicity.
Modern engines are not designed for such fuel, fuel market expert Anastasia Bunina told The Moscow Times: sulfur damages the cylinder-piston group, fuel equipment, spark plugs, valves, injectors, and the catalytic converter.
The decision comes amid a fuel crisis that has affected nearly all Russian regions since May. The Insider links it to Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries. According to The Moscow Times, 18 refineries were hit by drones in July alone, and by the end of the month seven large plants were idle, while 11 others operated at 30% to 70% capacity. The country's refining volumes, the outlet reported, have fallen to 2002 levels — 3.6 million barrels per day.
Earlier, in early July, the government had already allowed a number of refineries to produce Euro-3 gasoline with sulfur content of 150 mg/kg until the end of the year. That proved insufficient, The Moscow Times noted. The fuel situation across regions remains uneven: in early August, some gas station chains sharply cut prices amid a temporary improvement in logistics, while in other regions restrictions persisted and prices remained significantly higher than before the crisis, The Insider reported.
Greenpeace expert Anna Ezhak warned that using fuel with elevated sulfur content poses a threat to human health. Burning such gasoline leads to emissions of sulfur dioxide and fine particulate matter PM2.5, which penetrate deep into the lungs. According to the expert, even short-term daily exposure to sulfur dioxide increases the risk of asthma exacerbations, as well as the risk of heart attacks, heart rhythm disturbances, and premature death in people with heart and lung diseases. Children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses are most vulnerable.
The number of visits to car repair shops in Russia has already increased, and experts expect the number of complaints to continue growing, Krym.Realities reported.